IN 1977, FEDERAL AND STATE FUNDS WERE AWARDED TO THE SAN FRANCISCO CHILD ABUSE PROJECT FOR THE FOLLOWING PURPOSES: (1) TO INCREASE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE PROBLEM OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE (TREATMENT CENTERS, LONG-TERM SHELTERS, DETENTION HOMES, CENTERS FOR THE MENTALLY RETARDED AND DEVELOPMENTALLY DISABLED, GROUP HOMES, FOSTER HOMES, AND JUVENILE SHELTERS); (2) TO INCREASE REPORTS OF SUSPECTED INCIDENTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE FACILITIES; (3) TO USE TRAINING TO PREVENT INCIDENTS OF ABUSE AND NEGLECT; AND (4) TO PROVIDE REMEDIAL ACTION IN FACILITIES WHERE CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT OCCURS. CONTACT WAS MADE WITH THE OUT-OF-HOME CARE FACILITIES IN THE SIX-COUNTY TARGET AREA TO EXPLAIN THE PROJECT. A SPECIALIZED TRAINING CURRICULUM WAS DEVELOPED WHICH PROVIDED PERTINENT INFORMATION ON NONFAMILIAL ABUSE, AND THE TRAINING WAS OFFERED TO GROUPS WORKING IN EACH FACILITY. SOME BROADER ASPECTS OF CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT IN PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS WERE FOUND TO INCLUDE (1) LACK OF PERMANENT PLANNING AND MONITORING FOR CHILDREN IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE; (2) LACK OF ENFORCEMENT OF LICENSING REGULATIONS; (3) POOR WORKER CONDITIONS IN OUT-OF-HOME CARE FACILITIES; AND (4) LACK OF PROGRAMS, STUDIES, AND FUNDING. SOME BARRIERS TO THE IDENTIFICATION, MANAGEMENT, AND RESOLUTION OF ISSUES CONTRIBUTING TO INSTITUTIONAL CHILD ABUSE AND NEGLECT ARE LISTED, ALONG WITH SOME PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS AND AREAS OF CONCERN. A CURRICULUM OUTLINE FOR STAFF TRAINING DESIGNED TO PREVENT INSTITUTIONAL CHILD ABUSE IS PROVIDED. (RCB)